The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and indulgent treats. Among all the seasonal delights, one dessert stands out with its blissful blend of flavors and stunning presentation—White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies. These brownies combine rich cocoa with the refreshing taste of peppermint and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. Not only are they visually appealing with their festive colors, but they also offer a delightful bite that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you are sharing them at a holiday party or enjoying them on a cozy winter evening, these brownies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Why We Love This White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, especially during the holiday season. This recipe is a celebration of festive flavors, blending the depth of cocoa with the lightness of white chocolate and the invigorating essence of peppermint. It’s a treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The ease of preparation means you can whip them up quickly without compromising on taste or quality. Plus, the vibrant colors and sprinkle decorations not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also bring a fun, festive atmosphere to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients for White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
To craft your scrumptious White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (for gluten-free version only)
- 1 cup baking cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
- For the Colorful Blondie Layer:
- 8 ounces white chocolate, broken into chunks
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (for gluten-free version only)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green food coloring gel
- 2-4 tablespoons sprinkles (nonpareils, jimmies, and balls in red and green)
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
To create these delightful brownies, follow these straightforward directions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures even cooking throughout your brownies.
- Prepare the Baking Pans: Line two 8” x 8” baking pans with foil. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Make the Brownie Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. This mixture forms the base for your rich brownie layer. In a stand mixer, combine the vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract. Beat this mixture until it turns light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is nicely combined. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to create delicious chocolatey pockets in your brownies.
- Divide and Spread: Divide your brownie batter in half. Spread one half evenly into each of the prepared pans, forming a thick base layer.
- Create the Colorful Blondie Layer: Melt the white chocolate and vegetable shortening together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each to achieve a smooth consistency. In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they become foamy. Add in the sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until well combined. Slowly mix in the flour and salt until fully incorporated.
- Bring on the Color: Divide the blondie batter between two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other, mixing until you achieve the desired hues.
- Layer and Swirl: Pinch off pieces of the colored blondie batter and scatter them over the brownie batter in both pans. Use a skewer or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the colors together, creating a festive marbled effect.
- Add Sprinkles: Top your brownie and blondie layers with a generous sprinkle of festive decorations.
- Bake the Brownies: Cover the pans lightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes if using a glass pan or 25 minutes if using metal. After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the tops of the brownies appear set.
- Cool and Cut: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for cutting clean squares. Once cooled, lift the foil out of the pan and cut the brownies into squares.
How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
Your White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies are now ready to be served! To elevate the experience, consider presenting them on a festive platter adorned with seasonal decorations, such as holly or twinkling lights. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of hot and cold. Drizzling with melted chocolate or a peppermint glaze can also add an extra touch of decadence. For gatherings, providing small dessert plates and napkins will make it easy for guests to grab a square while mingling. You may even want to label the brownies with a little sign that highlights their festive flavors. This small touch can create excitement and anticipation among your guests.
Expert Tips for White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
Creating the perfect White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies can be made easier with these expert tips:
- Quality Ingredients: The quality of your chocolate and cocoa influences the overall taste of your brownies. Opt for high-quality brands to ensure a rich flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When blending your ingredients, it’s important not to overmix after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture.
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature, so keep a close eye on your brownies as they bake. Check for doneness by gently pressing the middle; it should be set but still soft.
- Cooling: Allowing your brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting is key for cleaner slices. If you can resist, let them sit in the fridge for an hour for even cleaner cuts.
- Adjust Peppermint Flavor: Depending on your palate preference, you can adjust the amount of peppermint extract. Start with less, and add more if desired, tasting as you go.
How to Store White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. Layer the brownies with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. If stored properly, they can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked taste.
Variations of White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
While the original recipe is divine as is, you might want to explore various twists on this classic treat:
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Minty Swirls: Instead of using food coloring, create minty swirls by adding crushed peppermint candies or peppermint bark pieces directly into the blondie batter.
- Dark Chocolate Option: For a bolder flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips in the brownie layer.
- Fruity Addition: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries to the blondie layer for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful contrast against the white chocolate.
- Gluten-Free Delight: If you are looking to cater to gluten-free guests, make sure to use certified gluten-free baking products and follow the specified quantities in the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies special?
These brownies combine the rich flavors of cocoa and the light, sweet taste of white chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
How can I ensure my White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies are fudgy?
To achieve that fudgy texture, avoid overmixing and check for doneness early. The brownies should be set at the edges while still soft in the center.
Can I prepare White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies in advance?
Yes! You can prepare these brownies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What’s the best way to cut brownies?
For neat slices, make sure the brownies are fully cooled. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will give you the best results.
Can I customize the flavors in this brownie recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different extracts or mix-ins to personalize your brownies according to your taste.
White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
- 1.5 cups Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour or all-purpose flour Use gluten-free for a gluten-free version
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum For gluten-free version only
- 1 cup baking cocoa powder Use unsweetened cocoa for best results
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder Optional, enhances chocolate flavor
- 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
For the Colorful Blondie Layer
- 8 ounces white chocolate, broken into chunks
- 0.5 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1.25 cups Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour or all-purpose flour Use gluten-free for a gluten-free version
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum For gluten-free version only
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- to taste red and green food coloring gel
- 2-4 tablespoons sprinkles Nonpareils, jimmies, and balls in red and green
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Line two 8" x 8" baking pans with foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Make the Brownie Layer
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
- In a stand mixer, combine the vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract and beat until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Divide the brownie batter in half and spread one half evenly into each of the prepared pans.
Create the Colorful Blondie Layer
- Melt the white chocolate and vegetable shortening together in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs until foamy, then add in the sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and melted chocolate mixture.
- Mix in the flour and salt until fully incorporated.
Bring on the Color
- Divide the blondie batter between two bowls; add red food coloring to one and green to the other until desired hues are achieved.
Layer and Swirl
- Pinch off pieces of the colored blondie batter and scatter them over the brownie batter in both pans.
- Swirl the colors together with a skewer or the back of a spoon.
Add Sprinkles and Bake
- Top the layers with festive sprinkles.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes if using a glass pan or 25 minutes if using metal.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes.
Cool and Cut
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
- Lift the foil out of the pan and cut the brownies into squares.
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